STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Mr DAVID SMITH (Bean—Government Whip) (13:47): The Albanese government promised that we would back in our lowest paid workers—our retail workers, our hospitality, our care workers, the workers that keep our society moving—and we have done just that. Since the Albanese government came to office, we've advocated for Australian workers at every single annual wage review, five years in a row.

Our advocacy has seen the national minimum wage increase by more than $6 per hour, $230 per week and more than $12,000 per year, or a 30.1 per cent increase. This is on top of the tax cuts that the Albanese government has delivered, not just committed to, for all working Australians. I also want to acknowledge the SDA for their successful campaign on the 'Adult Age = Adult Wage' campaign.

I've had this week to meet with young workers who've advocated for these changes and heard about the difference that this has made to their lives. There is more work to do in this space, and I commend the SDA for continuing the fight, particularly their focus on ensuring that younger workers get access to the same superannuation entitlements as other workers.

Your bills aren't different, your rent isn't different, your groceries aren't different, so your pay or your rights shouldn't be different. This government will continue to deliver for working people and their families right across this nation.